Estonia insists on constructing the regional liquefied natural gas terminal on its territory, notes Estonia’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. Latvia, Finland and Estonia still have no political agreement regarding this matter.

A potentially agreeable project regarding the regional energy project was published by the European Commission this week. It is mentioned in this document that the regional LNG terminal could be situated in one of three countries: Estonia, Latvia or Finland. This came as a surprise to many. Previously, EC said Finland would be the perfect location, Latvijas Radio reports.

Estonia insists having the terminal be built on its territory, in Paldiski, said deputy Secretary General of Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia Ando Leppimans. “Current information and estimates show that the realization of this project will cost the less in Estonia. The amount of investments that would be required for this project to take place in Estonia is lower than those of other countries. Terminal maintenance costs in Estonia are also low. On top of that, the Paldiski project is already a long way in development,” – he says.

This spring, being unable to reach an agreement, ministers of Estonia and Finland had asked the President of EC José Manuel Barroso to act as a mediator and decide where to build the LNG terminal. Barroso had agreed to do this. However, there is still no clear opinion from EC regarding this initiative, says Estonia. This is why they have chosen a different way altogether. The project developed by Estonian specialists can be submitted to EC and Council of European Energy Regulators for approval, says Leppimans. “Our project, which offers consumers the most economically sound solution, is likely to be approved. Therefore, we will remain true to our views and not accept any compromises,” – says Leppimans.

Several days ago, the Finnish government agreed on a special support programme for the development of a local LNG terminal. The country’s budget has allocated EUR 33 million this year and plans to add EUR 90 million more next year. However, this programme will offer only partial support for companies that wish to develop LNG terminal infrastructure in the country.

Deputy of the European Parliament Krišjānis Kariņš says it would be more economical for Latvia to construct the terminal in Estonia. “If the terminal is built in Finland, we will need years to reach an agreement regarding connection between Estonia and Finland. The pipeline will cross cross the Nord Stream line. I have no doubt that Gazprom will have all kinds of environmental protects and such,” – says the Latvian deputy.

Latvian Economy Minister Daniels Pavluts had previously stated in an interview to Latvijas Radio that Latvia is prepared to support any economically sound offer.

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